Weather in Lucerne, Switzerland can be very pleasant or below freezing. Here is a comprehensive guide to what you need to know about traveling to Lucerne, Switzerland.
Lucerne is a city that is surrounded by beautiful scenery. Green forests, clear, blue waters, and high, powerful mountains make up the surrounding countryside of this medieval Swiss town. It is needful to mention that all of this can be obstructed by low hanging clouds or fog during any time of the year.
Thankfully, I’ve composed a guide that will allow you to decide what time of year is best for you to visit Lucerne so you can enjoy the best weather. Also check out our travel guides to other places in Switzerland, such as Lauterbrunnen and Jungfraujoch.
What This Guide Covers
You can read every single tip about Lucerne’s weather on this guide (highly recommended) or use the navigation links below to skip to the information that is most valuable to you.- Lucerne Weather Overview
- Lucerne Weather by Month
- Best Time to Visit Lucerne
- Worst Time to Visit Lucerne
Watch Lucerne Highlight Reel
Take a look at this video to see summertime weather in Lucerne, Switzerland:
Lucerne Weather Overview
The biggest bummer about planning a vacation in advance is that you have no control over what the weather will be like on your trip. However, knowledge is power and by learning about the different weather patterns you can decide what time of year you want to visit and what you should bring when you go.
Rain
One of the biggest factors that contributes to Lucerne’s amazing alpine beauty is the frequent showers that fall on the region. With an average of 132 days of precipitation per year, it is very possible that your visit to Lucerne will include a little wetness.
Rain in Lucerne is more often than not a light drizzle that lasts for much of the day. A raincoat and umbrella are perfect to combat this type of weather if you still want to explore the old city despite the weather. If the forecast shows that a thunderstorm is approaching, a downpour might be something to expect as well. In this case, find somewhere indoors or covered and maybe eat some Swiss chocolate while you wait out the rain.
Humidity
While the temperatures in Lucerne rarely ever exceed 80°F (27°C) in Lucerne, humidity can make summer days feel warmer than it actually is. The average humidity ranges from a low of 70% to a high of 84% throughout the course of the year.
Humidity affects the winter months as well. The wet air can make the frost have an extra bite, seemingly soaking through your heavy coat. Bring layers to keep warm during cold winters.
Snow
Snow isn’t a very common occurrence in Lucerne because it isn’t high enough in elevation to rival the surrounding alps. The most snowfall happens in February, and it often isn’t enough to be worried about.
The surrounding mountains, Mount Pilatus and Mount Titlis, are sure to be snow capped during the winter and they offer opportunities for winter sports if you are looking forward to a snowy day trip from Lucerne.
Lucerne Weather by Month
Here is a breakdown of the monthly weather in Lucerne so you know what to expect:
January
Very cold, expect small amount of snow, small crowds.
- Average High: 39°F
- Average Low: 29°F
- Average Precipitation: 13 days
- Average Humidity: 83%
February
Very cold, expect more snow, small crowds.
- Average High: 41°F
- Average Low: 29°F
- Average Precipitation: 13 days
- Average Humidity: 79%
March
Cold, very little snow, small crowds.
- Average High: 52°F
- Average Low: 35°F
- Average Precipitation: 13 days
- Average Humidity: 73%
April
Chilly, green foliage blooms, small crowds.
- Average High: 60°F
- Average Low: 42°F
- Average Precipitation: 12 days
- Average Humidity: 70%
May
Cool, flowers and plants vibrant and green, rain is more common, growing crowds.
- Average High: 66°F
- Average Low: 48°F
- Average Precipitation: 13 days
- Average Humidity: 72%
June
Pleasant, beautiful countryside, rainiest month of the year, big crowds.
- Average High: 74°F
- Average Low: 56°F
- Average Precipitation: 14 days
- Average Humidity: 72%
July
Pleasant, green plants, rainy, largest crowds.
- Average High: 77°F
- Average Low: 59°F
- Average Precipitation: 13 days
- Average Humidity: 72%
August
Pleasant, green plants, rainy, big crowds.
- Average High: 76°F
- Average Low: 58°F
- Average Precipitation: 13 days
- Average Humidity: 75%
September
Cool, green plants, less rain, smaller crowds.
- Average High: 67°F
- Average Low: 52°F
- Average Precipitation: 10 days
- Average Humidity: 80%
October
Chilly, very little rain, small crowds.
- Average High: 58°F
- Average Low: 44°F
- Average Precipitation: 9 days
- Average Humidity: 83%
November
Cold, expect small amount of snow, small crowds.
- Average High: 47°F
- Average Low: 36°F
- Average Precipitation: 12 days
- Average Humidity: 84%
December
Very cold, expect small amount of snow, small crowds.
- Average High: 39°F
- Average Low: 30°F
- Average Precipitation: 13 days
- Average Humidity: 84%
Source: Weather-Atlas
Best Time to Visit Lucerne
The best time of year to visit Lucerne, Switzerland is during the summer months. During this time the plants are colorful, the weather is warm, and the mountains have stunning views. You may get a little wet, but take it in stride and realize that it isn’t the full Swiss experience without a little rain.
June, July, and August are the peak season for tourism because of the perfect weather. Book hotels and reservations far in advance to beat the crowds and get lower prices. While it is more visited during this time of year, Lucerne is a smaller city and the crowds are not unbearable.
Worst Time to Visit Lucerne
As it is in many places, winter in Lucerne is very cold and forces its residents to bundle up or freeze. This time of year is perfect for those who are into winter sports, but for those of you who want to see the blossoming beauty of Lucerne during the summer, this time of year is not recommended. The benefit of going to Lucerne in the winter is that there will be very few crowds and prices for hotels, Airbnbs, and other attractions will be lower.
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